Member Article

Anesco helps make new play area a reality

Askern families are now benefiting from a large new play area, thanks to the support of energy efficiency company Anesco.

Situated beside Askern Lake and event’s field, the playpark offers two different areas specially designed for toddlers and juniors. It has been created thanks to funding provided by Anesco, who recently completed work on a 4.97MW solar farm on the site of the former Askern colliery.

As part of the company’s commitment to supporting the communities in which it operates, Anesco contributed £8k towards the upgrade of the play area. The team has also worked closely with local residents and the town council throughout the planning and construction process to ensure it caused minimal disruption.

Councillor Francis Jackson, Mayor and Chairman of Askern Town Council, was delighted to conduct the official opening of the playpark. He was joined by members of the community, local dignitaries and representatives from Anesco.

Councillor Jackson commented: “Askern lake offers an environment of relaxation and leisure, but for many years it has been recognised that true family interaction was somewhat restricted, so we wanted to address this for the benefit of all.

“The funding opportunity provided by Anesco has enabled the development of the new playpark to become a reality. Since completion families have flocked to the playpark and it has been heard said on many occasions that it’s ‘just what we needed’.

“Now that it’s a reality it can be enjoyed by many for years to come. On behalf of the town I would like to take this opportunity to give a big thank you to all who have been involved, from the planning stage, through to consultation, the immense work in bringing together the submission bid and subsequent funding success, and finally to fruition. Without this team work we would not have this magnificent facility for families and visitors to Askern.”

The solar farm at Askern colliery is one of four former colliery sites in the UK that have been regenerated by Anesco through a partnership with the site’s owner, Harworth Estates. The installation at Askern, which comprises of 18,768 panels, will generate enough renewable energy to power 1,500 homes annually, which saving 2,000 tonnes of carbon per year.

Director of sales at Anesco, Lee Adams, who oversaw the development of the project, commented: “Supporting the local communities in which we operate is very important to us and we’re delighted that we’ve been able to contribute towards such a wonderful community facility as the playpark that will benefit so many local families.

“Throughout the development of the solar farm at Askern colliery we have had regular dialogue with both local residents and the council, and have shaped our plans based on their feedback and suggestions.”

He added: “Through our relationship with Harworth Estates we are not only regenerating disused land but are creating local jobs and helping to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions.”

Eddie Peat, director of Natural Resources at Harworth Estates, said “This project further demonstrates our expertise at transforming previously developed land to support low-carbon energy projects. We enjoy a close working relationship with Anesco and are delighted that we have four operational solar schemes with them in place, to support the UK’s energy mix.

“At Harworth Estates we are proud to work with partners such as Anesco, who actively engage with communities to provide facilities such as this playpark, which is a fantastic contribution to the local area.”

Anesco works with businesses, local authorities, housing associations and homeowners to reduce their carbon emissions. The company was named the UK’s fastest growing private company by Sunday Times Fast Track in 2013 and again in 2014. This year for the first time Anesco has also been ranked within the Sunday Times Top Track 250 league table, which ranks Britain’s mid-market growth private companies with the biggest sales.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Anesco Limited .